FORM 140
DISCIPLINARY QUESTIONS FOR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP/COMMISSIONING
(Book of Discipline, 2012 ¶324.9)
Instructions: In answering these questions, the candidate should be informed by the insights and guidance of Part II of the Book of Discipline, 2012,¶s 101-104
Responses are to be double-spaced with one inch margins. Typical answers will range from 1.5 to 2 pages in length at a minimum. Email to the registrar a copy of the questions grouped as follows:
KNOWLEDGE A Questions 1-4 as follow
KNOWLEDGE B Questions 5-7 as follow
SKILLS Questions 8-10 as follow
ABILITIES Questions 11-13 as follow
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Questions 14-16 as follow
Please note that these are NOT the same order as they appear in the Book of Discipline.
Create each of the five sections as a separate document and name them using the following example:
YOUR NAME Knowledge A Q 1-4
Create a footer for your document that includes the above information. Your name and the question #s n
need to appear on each page.
Please be complete in your answers. The Board expectation is that most responses will be close to two pages in length. The Board also expects, in accordance with denominational policy, the use of inclusive language in both the written work and in the interview process.
Email 1 copy each of the five sections above to the Registrar by December 10.
Also send one printed copy to the address below. Do NOT send it by any method that needs to be signed for and do NOT plan to drop it off at this address. The US Postal Service works just fine.
Please be sure to follow the required format.
Rev. Janet F. Lord
783 Freeport Road
Creighton, PA 15030
412-759-5204
KNOWLEDGE A
1. How do you interpret the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord”?
2. What is your understanding of evil as it exists in the world?
3. What is your understanding of humanity, and the human need for divine grace?
4. What is your understanding of the kingdom of God; the Resurrection; eternal life?
KNOWLEDGE B
5. Describe the nature and mission of the Church. What are its primary tasks today?
6. Discuss your understanding of the primary characteristics of United Methodist polity.
7. What is the meaning of ordination in the context of the general ministry of the church?
SKILLS
8. How do you intend to affirm, teach and apply Part III of the Discipline (Doctrinal
Standards and Our Theological Task) in your work in the ministry to which you have
been called?
9. Describe your understanding of diakonia, the servant ministry of the church, and the servant
ministry of the provisional member and commissioned minister.
10. Explain the role and significance of the sacraments in the ministry to which you have
been called.
ABILITIES
11. Describe your personal experience of God and the understanding of God you derive from Biblical, theological and historical sources.
12. What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers and in responsible living in the world?
13. The United Methodist Church holds that the living core of the Christian faith was
revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience and
confirmed by reason. What is your understanding of this theological position of the Church?
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
14. How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives, your role and your
commitment as a provisional member and commissioned minister in the
United Methodist Church?
15. Describe your understanding of an inclusive church and ministry.
16. You have agreed as a candidate for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world
and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence
as ministers, to make a complete dedication of yourself to the highest ideals of the
Christian life and to this end agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal
habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all
personal relationships, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social
responsibility and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God. What is
your understanding of this agreement?